HB 5229 Summary

• State agencies cannot attempt to recover or offset funds obtained by nonprofit human services providers through loan forgiveness, including reducing contract amounts or demanding reimbursement.

• Commissioner of Social Services must develop uniform management information, statistics, terminology, and electronic health standards across six state departments (Developmental Services, Public Health, Correction, Children and Families, Veterans Affairs, and Mental Health and Addiction Services).

• Commissioner of Social Services may waive or suspend prior authorization and utilization review criteria for the state medical assistance program (Medicaid and CHIP) with 14 days' notice to providers.

• Multipurpose senior centers must provide a specified list of 12 services including nutrition, health programs, employment assistance, public benefits counseling, transportation, and case management services.

• Nursing home residents have the right to use technology for virtual monitoring or visitation with roommate consent and advance notice; facilities must provide internet access and power sources at no resident cost, with federal COVID-19 funding available for infrastructure upgrades.

• Employers must provide written notice to employees of pregnancy discrimination protections and reasonable accommodation rights, with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities developing educational courses on these rights.